Surrendering (Surrender 1)

I walk the guys to my room and explain where I want my furniture. Once they get the heavy stuff in the room and my bed assembled, I can start unloading my personal items. When I know they have no more questions, I go to the kitchen to help unload the coolers.

I feel a strange vibe when I see Ella and Abbi.

“Hey guys, what’s up?”

“We were just discussing the fact that all three times we’ve been around you, there have been gorgeous guys falling at your feet. It seems you may have left out the fact that you have Chippendales as your posse.” Ella states as she crosses her arms and stares at me.

“You have to believe me that they’re only friends. My brother and these guys have been friends forever so I’ve known them most of my life. Most of the banter is harmless flirting with a few innuendos for fun. Is there a major problem with them?”

“Fuck no, Rave! Are there any rules when it comes to the guys?” Abbi blurts out.

“Well, none of them have girlfriends or serious relationships. They’re all nice, charismatic, and have goals, even if their goals are taking a little longer than planned. They love having a good time and have exceptional charm when it comes to women. I’m not sure any of them are long-term material, but take your chances. All of them are around twenty-five. And when Jimi gets here, you’ll meet the biggest playboy of the bunch.”

“Jesus, there’s another one? I’m not sure I can handle all this lusciousness in one place, at one time. Next time, can you let me know so I’m not out running and looking like shit?” Ella sneers at me, but smiles at the same time.

“Yes, ladies, next time we will have a full powwow. But for tonight, I did promise poker. Would you like to join us? We’ll order in dinner. My dad insisted on treating us since he wasn’t able to come today.”

Both replied, “Sounds good to us.”

Abbi coyly asks, “Did you go back to the park to see Holy Hotness this weekend? Or possibly call the adorable bartender?”

“No, I skipped yoga this week, and I haven’t had the courage to call Damon. Maybe after this weekend we can go have a drink and see if he’s working.”

“And maybe this Saturday we can go to yoga and scope out the park. If you have one of us with you, it may not seem so obvious. And who knows, maybe he’ll talk to you.”

I give her a non-committal, “Maybe.”

Finn shouts from the front door, “Rave, we got the largest items out and the bed is almost put together. Go ahead and start bringing in your boxes. We can clean this truck out and return it today.”

“Okay, Finn, on my way.” I turn to my new roommates and smile widely. “I’ll be officially moved in soon.” They follow me to the truck to unload.

“One more thing, Raven, we invited our brother to come over later to meet you. He generally meets with his band on Thursday nights, but he’ll stop by before he goes to the bar. He’s a bit protective of us. Even though he’s only a few years older than Abbi, he acts like our dad. He can be a little intimidating at first, but we asked him to tone it down tonight,” Ella explains as we all grab a box.

“I think it’s a great idea; he’ll get to meet Finn. I bet he’d like to know the guy that’s installing our security system. Also, invite him for a few drinks if he can. Maybe Finn will stop worrying so much about me if he knows you have a protective brother. But I have to ask, what do you mean he’s intimidating?”

Abbi answers my question, “Our brother, Declan, is in a local band here in Nashville. He’s a brilliant musician and his band mates are amazing. Their genre is rock, but once in a while they’ll take a new twist on an old favorite and change it up. He’s the lead singer and writes most of the music. He has multiple tattoos and several piercings. He isn’t quite the clean cut, hot guy like the ones you have inside your room right now.”

“Well, not all of us want clean cut, hot guys. I’m anxious to meet your brother.”

We start unpacking my kitchen items. Abbi takes the task of putting everything away since she’s the most organized and has the kitchen in zones, all items have a place. Honestly, it is one of the best organized rooms I’ve ever seen and it reminds me of Finn’s first impression of the house and Martha Stewart. I smile to myself.

Once the guys have the bed together, Ella helps me make my bed and fix up my bathroom.

Tripp ye

lls to me, “RJ, come tell us where you want the pictures hung so I can open a fucking beer. Your room is almost done and it’s so girly I think my balls are shrinking. The sooner I get out of here, the sooner I get my masculinity back.”

“On my way, lover boy, calm down.” I look at Ella and smile. “Remember what I said about charming- well there you go.”

Tripp hung my pictures and now the room’s practically finished. I’m ecstatic with the turnout. It may be a little feminine, but it’s perfect. My mom and I spent the last week shopping for knick-knacks and accessories to liven up the room. Since all my furniture is black, I went with a grey toile bedspread and shams. I wanted to accent the monotones so I chose turquoise lamps, throw pillows, and a large décor accent pillow that now covers the width of my bed. The colors blended together like a Potterybarn showroom.

When everything is unloaded, I help Finn, Tripp, and Gabe gather their tools and load their truck. Finn’s going to return the rental and Gabe will follow in his own vehicle.

I go straight to the kitchen to start working on my first official party. Abbi and Tripp are at the counter laughing and drinking beer. Ella went to take a shower and I decide that’s a good idea.

“Hey, Tripp, think about what you want to eat tonight. Dad’s buying, so we can order from anywhere around here that delivers. I’ll be back in a few and start on some appetizers.”

“Thanks, RJ. I’ll talk with the guys when they get back. Do you need any help in the shower?”